Professional Conference Organisers
The PCO ALLIANCE NETWORK, founded in 2005 by Jacqueline Stumke of Jacqueline Stumke & Associates (Est. 1985), has set a precedent in the Conferencing and Events industry.Based in Gauteng and Chaired by Jacqueline, the PCO ALLIANCE NETWORK has, over the years, carefully selected members who could conform to strict entry criteria and be prepared to contract to a stringent Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
They have ensured that Hotel Groups, independently run Hotels, Conference & Events venues as well as suppliers of Teambuilding, Décor, Entertainment, Guest Speakers and many other suppliers pertinent to the industry of planning conferences and events, can clearly identify Professional Conference Organisers amongst the prolific number of PCO’s who have, over the years, come and gone.
They have created invaluable one-on-one interactive networking opportunities for venues and suppliers and travel throughout the country for well-planned, well- executed site-educationals. The PCO ALLIANCE NETWORK is a forum for PCO’s to continually share ideas and information, thereby keeping themselves up-dated and better able to professionally and effectively service their clients and to add value to the venues.
Due to its’ success, Kwa Zulu Natal venues and suppliers expressed a need for a branch of the PCO ALLIANCE NETWORK to be opened in their Province.
On 01 March 2012, Vicki Hooper, Managing Director of Venues For Conferences In Africa (Est. 1991), was appointed Chairperson of the PCO ALLIANCE NETWORK – KWA ZULU NATAL.
WHAT THE PCO ALLIANCE GROUP HAVE ACHIEVED
- Excellent networking on a personalised basis
- Invaluable take-home value
- An instant “phone-a-friend” directory for ideas, contact numbers, prices, etc., of venues, teambuilding activities, function themes, speakers, entertainers and every aspect of conference/function organising
- A closer working relationship with venues
- A keen interest in the market place, to ensure that these group members receive professional and courteous attention when conducting or setting up site-inspections
- Preferred commission structures
- An awareness in the market place, of their own motivation to maintain a high standard of professionalism
- The compilation of a list of preferred Suppliers who, due to the buying force created by the group, offer competitive rates, excellent commissions and service
- A close-knit group who are not only professional associates, but who have become lifelong friends
On an ongoing basis, the group work as a team :
When a member conducts a site-inspection, the group is given detailed feedback of the venue, service, food and all aspects important when considering a venue for a conference. Thus every member is updated regarding a venue and is able to fully depend on the feedback received from fellow members when placing business at that venue, without having to conduct her own site-inspection, and be sure to have complete faith in the choice of venue.
They share important information: commissions paid by the venues/suppliers, names of General Managers/Owners/Marketing Managers, names & contact details of the accounts department at each venue, details as to which venue co-coordinators to appoint as the liaison between client and venue, things to look out for or be aware of at venues, as well as any other information relevant to a potential booking.
The combined numerous years of experience in all aspects of organising functions, travel, tours and conferences, ensures that each and every member can offer a full turn-key project to a client. Members join forces at every opportunity, working as a team on a particular project without the concerns of “losing” a client to the opposition. Members can offer :
- SOURCING AND SECURING A VENUE
- BUDGET PLANNING
- CONFERENCE AND EVENT MANAGEMENT
- TRAVEL & TRANSFERS
- PRE AND POST TOURS/PARTNERS PROGRAMMES
- EXHIBITION, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
- TECHNICAL SUPPORT
- DELEGATE ON-LINE REGISTRATION
- ENTERTAINMENT
- GIFTS
- SPEAKERS & TRANSLATORS
- TEAMBUILDING
